Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Italian Open because of her continued difficulties with post-viral illness, with the announcement coming less than 30 minutes after she conducted upbeat media interviews.
Raducanu has spent the last few days competing at the Foro Italico, playing practice sets with other competitors and, having received a bye as a seeded player, she was scheduled to contest her second-round match against Solana Sierra or a qualifier.
On Tuesday evening, Raducanu conducted her mandatory pre-tournament media obligations, speaking about her progress after a tricky spell. “Last two months, in the beginning, it was quite difficult,” she said. “Wasn’t feeling the best physically. And I think it had just been lingering for a while. Whereas the last three weeks, I think I’ve really turned a corner and I feel so much better.
“And that’s a really positive thing for me. I feel great on the court. I feel like every day I’m working towards something. The break has helped me feel really motivated coming back, very hungry and happy to be out here training and putting out great sessions every day.”
Less than half an hour later, the tournament supervisor confirmed at 7pm local time that Raducanu had withdrawn. Players on-site at tournaments on both the WTA and ATP tours are required to conduct at least one post-withdrawal activity, which includes media availability, in order to avoid a fine. Had she not spoken to the media, Raducanu would have received a $15,000 (£11,000) fine for not complying with the on-site withdrawal rules.
It is not unusual for players to withdraw from tournaments a day or two after conducting their media duties. However, in Raducanu’s situation, most players would have first withdrawn before explaining the withdrawal in their press conference.
Raducanu’s withdrawal means her absence from the sport will extend to more than two months. The British No 1 had begun to struggle with a virus throughout the Middle East swing in February but the symptoms had not abated by early March.
After a poor showing that month at Indian Wells, losing 6-1, 6-1 to Amanda Anisimova in the third round, she opted to spend an extended period on the sidelines.
This has been another difficult year for Raducanu, who started the season with a foot injury before her illness. She had appeared to turn a corner in recent weeks, briefly reuniting with her former coach Andrew Richardson to build up her match fitness at the Ferrer academy in Benidorm. Asked if these challenges were mentally draining, Raducanu responded with optimism.
“Potentially [draining mentally],” she said. “When you have things going on, every day you’re working at it, it’s something you have in your head, but now in terms of body, injuries-wise, I feel very good. I don’t have anything that’s bothering me, and I’m just able to put out good days and I feel like I’m approaching each day, shot with great purpose. I have a lot of energy and motivation inside of me.”